University of Michigan running back Brandon Minor practiced in a white jersey Wednesday and should be available for Saturday's 3:30 p.m. showdown with No. 18 Notre Dame.

"He’s been a little limited, but he did more (Tuesday) than he did last week," Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said.

While Tuesday is the most important practice day of the week, Carlos Brown still is expected to start at running back against the Irish.

Michigan will release an official injury report Thursday.

Other notes from Rodriguez's pre-practice media session:

• One benefit of moving Stevie Brown to linebacker this year is that Michigan doesn't have to shuffle personnel on and off the field for passing downs. Brown, who started at safety last year, doubled as Michigan's nickel back last week against Western Michigan.

"Stevie's athletic enough to cover a wideout and certainly athletic enough to cover a back or a tight end, so it gives us the flexibility to run some different packages without having to substitute," Rodriguez said.

• Rodriguez on the importance of Saturday's game: "I don’t want to speak for them, but for us it’s not the end all, be all. We’ve got a lot of work to do with a lot of young players. It sure would be nice to get another win and get even more confidence, but I want us to play well, I want us to compete, and if they’re going to beat us I want it because they’re clearly better than us. I don’t want Michigan beating Michigan, and we’ve talked about that quite a bit."

Last year, the Wolverines outgained Notre Dame by more than 100 yards (388-260) but committed six turnovers in a 35-17 loss.

• Here's video of Rodriguez talking about trying to stop Notre Dame's high-powered offense and quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

• Wisconsin and several other football programs have been ravaged by the flu, but Rodriguez said the bug has not hit Michigan this fall. "We've taken all the precautions," he said. "We've been lucky so far, but if there's an issue I think our training staff’s prepared for it."

• NFL scouts from the Titans, Cowboys and Ravens were at practice Wednesday.